FYS1040 – Introduction to Nuclear Technology

Schedule, syllabus and examination date

Course content

In this course, you will learn about how the atomic nucleus is built up, about radioactive decay, and different nuclear reactions such as fission. You will learn why nuclear science is important for society, and how this knowledge is used in medicine, energy production, security, and industry.

Learning outcome

After completing the course, you are able to:

  • describe the atomic nucleus and its internal structure.
  • explain what radioactivity is and how it appears, and know about the term half-life.
  • describe various types of radioactive decay.
  • account for different types of nuclear reactions such as fusion, fission, and neutron capture.
  • describe the fundamental principles of how a nuclear reactor works.
  • explain how nuclear physics is used in medicine for diagnosis and therapy.
  • list typical examples of how radioactivity is used in research and in industrial applications.

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

This course does not require in-depth knowlede in physics or mathematics, and is suitable for physics students at the start of their studies, as well as students from other areas.

For physics students in different levels of study, the course gives good examples of how the fundamental physics from other courses is put to use in energy issues which are relevant for society.

Formal prerequisite knowledge

No prior knowledge beyond Higher Education Entrance Qualification.

Teaching

  • 2 hours of lectures and 2 hours of group exercises per week

The course includes the following mandatory activity, which has to be approved before the final exam:

  • Individual oral presentation on an assigned topic during a group exercise

Rules for mandatory activities can be found here.

Examination

  • Final written exam, 3 hours (multiple choice and written answers), which counts 100% towards the final grade.

This course has mandatory assignments that must be approved before you can sit the final exam.

Examination support material

No examination support material is allowed.

Language of examination

The examination text is given in Norwegian. You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is fail. Read more about the grading system.

Resit an examination

This course offers both postponed and resit of examination. Read more:

More about examinations at UiO

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.

Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 2:46:45 AM

Facts about this course

Level
Bachelor
Credits
5
Teaching
Spring
This course will be taught from spring 2024.
Examination
Spring
Teaching language
Norwegian

Contact

Department of Physics